Dockers tried to rename Glendinning medal

Fremantle's controversial decision to scrap the Ross Glendinning medal followed a failed bid to erase the West Australian football great's name from the award, it has been revealed.

The Dockers have confirmed they sought to rename the medal, which has been awarded to the player judged best afield in the AFL western derby since 2001, but were rebuffed by West Coast.

Glendinning was Fremantle's chairman of selectors when the medal was introduced but is best known as West Coast's inaugural captain.

"Whilst we acknowledge Ross Glendinning as a great West Australian player and Brownlow Medallist, he is the first captain of West Coast and a current and visible employee and brand ambassador of our derby opponents," Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said in a statement.

Both the medal and the trophy awarded to the winning team have been dumped following a change in sponsorship agreement with Carlton United Breweries.

Fremantle, who are the hosts of the round-six derby, announced the change on Monday night, describing it as a "joint decision" by both clubs.

But it emerged on Wednesday that the Dockers refused to continue with the award under its current name, while West Coast would not entertain a change.

"Given the new era at Optus Stadium, our board does not want to present a joint medal if it was to remain as the Ross Glendinning Medal," Rosich said.